Wednesday, July 06, 2016

Navy @ Vivo 2016 海军展

Navy @Vivo 2016 was held over four days from 23 to 26 June, visiting hours started from 9 am till 9 pm for ship visits, and 10 am to 10 pm for the shore exhibition.

Visitors had to ballot for tickets for ship visits.

We got up close and personal with a Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Formidable-class frigate, RSS Tenacious, docked at VivoCity Promenade. Thrilled to explore a real warship, this is a once in a lifetime chance for me.

RSS Tenacious was one of RSN's warships to take part in counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden in 2014.

The Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopter (NH) on the flight deck of RSS Tenacious. Jointly operated by personnel from The Republic of Singapore Air Force and RSN, the NH enables the frigates to undertake anti-surface and anti-submarine missions at longer ranges, increasing force-level awareness and mission effectiveness.

Hubby was offered a chance to sit in the cockpit and take a photo.

We got to tour the stealth frigate's flight deck, missile deck, bridge, galley, and living quarters. After the tour, I realised that life on a navy ship is no fun.

At the Navy@Vivo exhibition on level one of VivoCity, there was a 3D replica of a submarine. The interior is fitted with periscopes, sonar displays and lit by red light, allowing us to see and feel what it is like to live on board a real submarine.

When we walked through the 3D model of our submarine’s operational nerve centre, the interior is dark and it feels claustrophobic. It gave a glimpse of the challenges that RSN submariners faced during operations.

We met and chatted with some of the servicemen and servicewomen who were in their smart uniforms.

Pretty fascinated with the tri-service photo booth where kids could dress up in uniforms for a memorable souvenir to bring home.

Saw a photo where a couple of kids posed as Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo from the TV drama "Descendants of the Sun" at Navy @Vivo’s photo booth. Why couldn't adults have a go at that?